Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Acquires Wayfarer Marine Corporation

July 1, 2015

Great News! Here is the offiical press release:

Thomaston, Maine: With this purchase, Lyman-Morse at Wayfarer Marine will now have the advantage of the infrastructure, expertise, reputation, and culture of Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding. Both yards are situated in two of the most historic boatbuilding/boatyard towns in New England of Thomaston and Camden, Maine.

“We are very excited about joining the two crews to create a most talented group of marine experts,” said Drew Lyman, President of Lyman-Morse. “Wayfarer’s customers will benefit in a big way through economies of scale and access to Lyman-Morse’s depth of expertise and resources including our boatbuilding pedigree, Lyman-Morse Fabrication, our CNC machining department, and Lyman-Morse Technologies. In addition, we recognize the benefits of having our name front and center in Camden, Maine, a place that for more than a century has been a destination harbor in the yachting world. We love the synergy of tying the two businesses together to create an even stronger world-class destination yard.”

Lyman-Morse was started by Cabot and Heidi Lyman in 1978 after their world travels in the 60s and 70s and is now captained by their son Drew Lyman. Drew grew up in the marine industry and circumnavigated with his family on a Lyman-Morse built 49’ sailboat from 1987 to 1990.

Building on the historic 100-year-old Morse Boatbuilding Yard, Lyman-Morse has built over 100 of the finest yachts produced in the United States, and has established itself as a quality service yard specializing in refits –a natural adjunct of its boatbuilding skills. The 110 new construction projects consist of all types of materials including aluminum, wood, and composite construction.

The combination of state-of-the-art infrastructure with some of the world's finest craftsmen has allowed Lyman-Morse to expand into areas outside the marine world. Recently Drew has steered Lyman-Morse into more diversification with its state-of-the-art composites shop becoming involved with the airline industry, Department of Defense, prototyping and many start up projects such as solar power re-generating units, and large scale solar arrays.

Lyman-Morse Technologies (LMT) is the research, development and prototyping division of the company. LMT works with architects, interior designers, business and home owners and government agencies including the Department of Defense to meet most any needs. LMT fuses state-of-the-art electrical design with nuanced manufacturing approaches in an effort to bring diversified, innovative product solutions to the renewable energy market, private and public sectors.

In addition, Lyman Morse Fabrication (LMF), led by Jonathan Egan, has increased its presence in New England with its custom design, engineering and metal fabrication. With a variety of specialized skills, LMF has landed significant projects for SUNY in New York, processing plant machinery, oceanographic research equipment, and a variety of other projects for respected New England companies.

With their commitment to midcoast-Maine, the Lyman family is also completing a 26-room boutique hotel in Rockland, Maine.

Wayfarer Marine and Camden have been the center of yachting in the Northeast for more than 100 years. With a safe and pretty waterfront, Wayfarer sits on 9+ acres on the finest commercial marine land and harbor in New England if not the East Coast. With 37 slips, 846 ft. of dockage and, mariners are literally steps away from town. Wayfarer’s launch service provides transport to and from its 47 moorings. The service yard is equipped with 110-ton Travelift, 80-ton Brownell trailer and 9 climate controlled work and paint bays.

Camden and Wayfarer also have a long history of boatbuilding dating back to 1796 when Captain McGlathery sent “one ship and a schooner” down the ways eventually launching over 70 vessels of all types, brigantines, schooners, barks, etc. Wayfarer employed 1800 people during WWII building minesweepers, rescue/salvage tugs, and troop transports. By the 60s and 70s Wayfarer grew to be the premier service yard drawing super yachts to regular cruisers from up and down the East Coast and around the world.

Lyman-Morse and Wayfarer have enjoyed a long history of cooperation and friendship making this acquisition a natural event. The positive effect on the economies of midcoast Maine and the marine industry will be a valuable asset.